Mounting for signs



Sept. 3, 1940. HM 2,213,393

MOUNTING FOR SIGNS Filed June 30, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 A i j Gttomeg Sept. 3, 1-940. w. HINR 2,213,393

MOUNTING FOR SIGNS Filed June 30, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Zinnentor O/OHN D. H/NR.

attorney I Sept. 3, 1940. J D. H|NR 2,213,393

MOUNTING FOR SIGNS Filed June 30, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Zhwent (JOHN D. H/N-g.

. (Ittorneg Sept. 3; 1940. 3.. D. HINR 2,213,393

MOUNTING FOR S IGNS Filed June 30, 1938 5 Sheets-Shoat 4 Zhwentor Q/OHN D. Huve attorney Sept. 3, 1940. J. D. HlNR MOUNTING FOR SIGNS Filed June 30, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 v b w Snnentor c/OHN D. H/NR.

(Ittorneg Patented Sept. 3, 1940 UNHTED STATES MOUNTING FOR SIGNS John D. Hinr, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to Libbey- Owens-Ford Glass Company, Toledo, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application June 30, 1938, Serial N 0. 216,683

6 Claims.

The present invention relates to signs in general and more particularly to the mounting of signs on the exterior of stores and other building structures.

The use of slabs or panels of opaque structural glass for facing store fronts and other building structures to enhance the appearance and beauty thereof is rapidly becoming more and more popular. One objection to the use of glass slabs or panels for this purpose, however, has been the problem of mounting the desired sign upon the exterior of the store or building. this has ordinarily been done by drilling holes through the glass slabs or panels and securing the sign letters more or less permanently thereto by means of expansion bolts or the like. This method of attachment, however, is not entirely satisfactory, especially on rental properties, since when it becomes necessary to change the sign, upon a change of tenant, the previously drilled holes in the glass give an unsightly appearance and spoil the beauty of the glass facing.

An aim of this invention is the provision of novel means for mounting signs upon store or building fronts without necessitating the drilling of holes in the glass facings or the disfiguring thereof in any way. The mounting is so constructed and arranged that the letters and/or other characters of the sign can be secured in place without any special preparation of the glass facing. Also, the letters can be readily changed so that rented fronts may be provided with diiferent signs readily and conveniently. Further, the mounting is such that it will hold any type of letter and leaves no unsightly fastenings or holes visible when the lettors are changed.

Briefly, the means for mounting the letters and/or other characters of the sign comprises vertical spaced, longitudinally extending metal supporting moldings of novel and improved construction, permanently attached to the store or building front when the structural glass facing is secured thereto; said moldings harmonizing with the appearance and design of the store or building front and adapted to removably hold any type of letter which may be arranged either entirely between the moldings or which may extend above and below the same. The moldings can project beyond the glass facing the desired distance to hold the letters either close to the face of the building or spaced outwardly therefrom. The moldings can also be constructed to assist in supporting the structural glass facing and can further provide means for conducting Heretofore,

neon or other wiring from the interior of the building to the required place outside without drilling the glass or draping wires over the face thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent during the course of the following description, when taken in connection with the accompanging drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like \parts throughout the same:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a portion of a store or building showing asign mounting con structed in accordance with the present inventio;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken substantially on line 22 of Fig. l and showing one type of supporting molding and letter attaching means;

Fig. 3.is a perspective sectional view of a portion of the supporting molding shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of one of the letter attaching brackets shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a modified type of attaching bracket;

Fig. 6 is a side view, partially in section, of another form of attaching bracket adapted for use with letters formed of plastic material;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the mounting of the letters closely adjacent the glass facing;

Figs. 8 and 9 are transverse sectional views showing diiferent types of supporting moldings which may be used in carrying out the invention;

Fig. 10 is a perspective sectional view of still another type of means for securing the letters to the supporting moldings;

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are transverse sectional views of other types of supporting moldings;

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view showing still another type of supporting molding and attaching means for the sign letters;

Fig. 15 is a vertical transverse sectional View showing the same type of molding illustrated in Fig. 14 but another method of mounting the sign letters thereon; and

Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view of a. still further form of supporting molding and letter attaching means.

With reference now to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, the numeral 20 designates the face of a building having a glazed opening 2|; the sheet of glass being heldin position in said opening by means of the metal mounting 22 extending around the marginal portions of said glass. The building is shown as being faced with slabs or panels 23 of opaque structural glass such as Vitrolite. The glass panels 23 may be mounted in any desired manner, but as illustrated in Fig. 2 are preferably secured by suitable cement or mastic 2 to a back wall 25 which may be of wood, brick, plaster, or of any other material.

In accordance with the invention, there are arranged above the window it the longitudinally extending parallel upper and lower supporting moldings and 22 carrying the sign which is represented in l by the letters ABCs. As will be more clearly hereinafter apparent, however, any desired arrangement of letters and/or other characters may be used and also that they may be of any preferred shape and size. The supporting moldings it and 2'5 are carried by the back wall 2 5 and project forwardly between adjacent horizontal rows of glass panels 23. 1

Referring particularly to Figs, 2 and 3, each supporting molding 26 and 2? comprises a body portion 23, the outer exposed face 29 of which is provided with the desired contour to harmonize with the building front. Extending rearwardly from the body portion 28 are the spaced horizontal webs 39 and if provided at their outer ends with the right angularly projecting securing flanges 32 and respectively; said flanges engaging the back wall 25 and having openings 34 therein through which screws or other fastening elements are inserted to secure the molding to the back wall. The webs 3&3 and 32 extend outwardly between the horizontal edges of adjacent rows of panels 23 and the edges of the panels next to the molding may be covered with suitable adhesive tape or the like 36 to protect the edges of the said panels from direct contact with the metal molding. The body portion 28 of the molding is provided in one side face thereof with a longitudinally extending guide channel 31 for receiving the attaching means for the sign letters, said channel 3'5 extending preferably throughout the entire length of said molding.

In Figs. 2 and i, the sign letter is designated by the numeral 38, while the numerals 3S and to designate generally the attaching brackets carried by the letter and associated with the upper and lower moldings 2t and 2? respectively. As

shown, the upper and lower moldings 26 and 27 are so arranged that the guide channels 31 thereof face inwardly or toward one another. The attaching brackets 38 and 48 are therefore also oppositely disposed with respect to one another so as to fit in the guide channels 3? of supporting moldings 26 and 2'! respectively. Each at taching bracket 39 and iii comprises a horizontal arm l! secured to the letter 38 by rivets or the like (i2, said arm projecting outwardly beyond the letter and carrying or having formed integral therewith a transversely arranged block 43. The block 43 is substantially rectangular, with the opposite sides thereof being beveled to correspond to the angle of the side walls of the guide channel 31.

When mounting the letter 38, the attaching brackets 39 and id are first secured thereto in the proper positions, after which the blocks 33 are inserted in one end of the guide channels 31 f the upper and lower moldings and the letter slid longitudinally along said moldings to the desired position. V nen properly located, the letter can be firmly secured in place by set screws M which pass through openings 45 in the block .3 of each attaching bracket and engage the bottom of the respective guide channel 37. Since the supporting moldings 26 and 21 face oppositely to one another, the tightening of the screws M will serve to securely fasten the letter against accidental displacement.

In Figs. 5 and 6 are shown two difierent types of attaching brackets which may be used for securing the letters to the supporting moldings 2G and 2?. The attaching bracket of Fig. 5 is designated in its entirety by the numeral 36 and is especially adapted for the supporting of letters i-"i which may be either curved or have portions thereof disposed at an angle. The attaching bracket 46 comprises a cylindrical arm 68 carrying at its outer end a substantially rectangular block :9, while the inner end portion 56 thereof is provided with a flat surface 5! to which the letter All! may be welded or otherwise suitably secured. Otherwise, the attaching bracket 65 is the same as attaching brackets 39 and 4D and is associated with and secured to the moldings 2G and 2'! in the same manner.

The attaching bracket 52 shown in Fig. d is particularly adapted for use in mounting letters 53 which are formed of a plastic material. In this case, the letter is provided with an opening 54 into which the inner end 55 of the arm 53 is inserted, said arm carrying at its outer end a block 5i similar to block 63 in Fig. 4. The arm 56 may either be threaded within the opening 5-3 or cemented therein. When cemented in place, the arm may be provided with a plurality of annular grooves 53 to receive the cement and thus assist in securing the bracket against displacement.

In Fig. l, the supporting moldings 26 and 21 are of the same construction as shown in Fig. 2 while a somewhat modified form of attaching means is provided for securing the sign letters closely adjacent to and, in fact, in engagement with the glass panels 23, if desired. The letter is here designated by the numeral 59 and the attaching devices comprise blocks 60 and 6! which, instead of being carried by arms as shown in Fig. 2, are welded or otherwise secured directly to the upper and lower edges of the letter. The blocks Gil and ill may be formed as shown in Fig. 2, and are secured at the desired position within the guide channels 3? of the moldings by set screws 62.

In Fig. 8 the supporting molding, designated in its entirety by the numeral 63, is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 7 with the exception that it further includes means for maintaining the glass facing panels 23 in properly spaced relation to the back wall 25. Thus, the molding 63 comprises a body portion 64 having the rearwardly extending horizontal webs 65 and 66 terminating in attaching flanges 5i and 68 respectively suitably secured to the back wall 25, Formed integral with the webs 65 and 56 are the oppositely projecting longitudinally extending ribs 69 and '10 which engage the inner faces of adjacent rows of glass panels 23 to properly space the said panels from the back wall. The body portion 64 of the molding is provided with the longitudinally extending guide channel H and, as here shown, the opposite side walls of said channel are straight rather than inclined as in Fig. '7. The sign letter is designated by the numeral l2 and carried thereby is the rectangular attaching block 13 received within the guide channel it and secured in desired position therein by a set screw or the like M. A second molding, similar to molding 63, may be arranged at the top of the letter l2.

The sign supporting molding 15 in Fig. 9 is somewhat different from the moldings above described in that it also embodies means to assist. in securing the adjacent rows of glass panels 23 in place, as well as covering the joints between the edges of the panels and the molding. As shown, the molding 15 comprises a body portion 16 provided with a semi-circular guide channel 11 for receiving the correspondingly shaped attaching block 18 carried by the letter 19, said block being securedwithin said channel by set screw 83. Extending rearwardly from the body portion 16 between adjacent glass panels 23 are the horizontal webs BI and 82 provided at their "re-.11 ends. with the attaching flanges 83 and 84 respectively suitably secured to the back Wall 25. Formed integral with the webs 8| and 82 are the longitudinally extending beads and 86 respectively projecting in opposite directions and overlapping and engaging the adjacent marginal portions of the front faces of the glass panels 23.

The letter attaching means disclosed in Fig. 10 may be employed in lieu of the attaching devices hereinabove described, The supporting molding is here designated by the numeral 81 and is provided with the guide channel 88. The attaching block 69 may be either carried at the outer end of an arm as in Fig. 2 or secured directly to the letter as in Fig. '1. In place of using set screws for securing the block at the desired location in the guide channel, the bottom of said channel the like and for conducting it to the desired point outside the building. The said molding comprises upper and lower horizontal members 96 and 91, a front member 38 and rear member 99 having attaching flanges I06 and IOI adapted to be secured tothe back wall 25. The upper horizontal member 96 is provided with a guide channel I62 for receiving the attaching means carried by the sign letters.

In Fig. 12 is disclosed a double type supporting molding including the upper and lower horizontal members I33 and I94 secured at their rear ends to a back member I65 having an attaching flange I66 adapted to be secured to theback wall 25. The members I93 and I04 are provided adjacent the forward ends thereof with the oppositely disposed guide channels I61 and I08 for receiving the attaching devices carried by the letters. Alsocarried by the members I03 and I04 are the oppo sitely extending beads I69 and III] which overlap and engage the adjacent marginal portions of the glass panels 23. The space between the members I03 and H14 may be divided longitudinally by a horizontal wall I I I to provide chambers I I2 and I I3 for the reception of neon wiring and the like. The front of the molding can be covered by a removable plate H4 of the desired contour. By removing the plate H4 access may be readily had to the wiring within chambers I I2 and I I3 for purposes of repair or replacement.

The sign supporting molding H5 illustrated in Fig. 13 comprises a body portion H6 having the guide channel I I1 therein for receiving the letter attaching means. Extending rearwardly from the body portion H6 directly beneath the glass panel 23 is a horizontal shelf H8 terminating in a flange H9 secured to the back wall 25 by screws or the like I 26. Formed integral with the shelf H8 is a longitudinally extending bead I20 overlapping and engaging the lower portions of the glass panels 23. Also carried by the body portion I I6 in a downwardly and rearwardly extending web portion I2I terminating in a rearwardly projecting flange I22. The web portion I2! is provided with a forwardly facing slot I23 and received therein is the upper inturned end I24 of an ornamental strip I25. This strip is provided with a bottom member I26 extending rearwardly beneath the lower portion I21 of the back wall 25 and also with a rearwardly extending plate I28 having an attaching flange I29 secured to the lower portion I21 of the back wal 25 by screws or the like I39. I In Fig. 14 is disclosed a different type of supporting molding and also a different type of attaching means for the sign letters. The supporting molding. I3I comprises, as in the other types of moldings, a body portion I32 provided with the rearwardly extending horizontal webs I33 and I34 terminating in attaching flanges I35 and I36 secured to the back wall 25. The body portion I32 is provided at the top and bottom thereof with the longitudinally extending, oppositely facing guide channels I31 and I38. The sign letter is shown at I39 and the attaching means therefore is designated in its entirety by the numeral I43. The attaching means IE3 comprises the similar fixed and movable clamping members MI and I42, the fixed clampingmember I4I being secured to the letter by rivets or the like I43 while the movable clamping member I42 is carried by a bolt I44 which passes vertically through the members MI and I42 and has threaded upon its upper end a nut I45. The clamping members I II and I42 are formed with the rearwardly projecting hooked fingers I46 and I41 having their outer ends directed toward one another and fitting within the guide channels I31 and I36 respectively. After the letter I39 hasfbeen arranged at the proper position longitudinally of the supporting molding, the nut I45 is tightened to draw the movable clamping member I42 upwardly and thereby firmly clamp the said members MI and I42 to the supporting ing I48 and I49 is provided in the top and bottom thereof with the longitudinally extending guide channels I56 and I51, while the letter I52 is beveled at its upper and lower ends as at I53 and I54 to fit in the said guide channels.

In Fig. 16, the supporting molding is designated in its entirety by the numeral I55 and comprises a back plate I56 secured to the back wall 25. Formed integral with and projecting forwardly fromthe back plate I56 are the longitudinally extending strips I51 and I53 spaced from one another and having formed at their inner ends a substantially circular channel I59. The numeral I69 designates in its entirety the attaching bracket for the letter I M, said attaching bracket comprising an arm I62 secured to'said letter by rivets or'the like I63. Carried by or formed integral with the outer end of the arm I62 is a flat horizontal plate I64 which is adapted to be received between the strips I51 and I58 of the molding, said plate being formed at its outer end with a bead I65 which is slidably received within the channel I59.

When mounting the letter I85, the plate M4 is inserted between the strips E51 and iii-8 of the molding from one end thereof, with the bead Hi5 being received in channel I59. The letter is then moved longitudinally of the molding to the desired location and secured rigidly in place. For this purpose, the inner surface of one of the strips l5! or IE8 and, as here shown, bottom strip I58 may be provided with an undercut slot 566 and inserted within said slot is a spring clip it; which serves to firmly hold the letter against accidental displacement.

It will be readily apparent that the various types of supporting molding above described are all constructed in a manner to permit the mounting of the sign letters without the necessity of drilling any holes in the glass panels 23 or in any way preparing the same for the reception of the letters. The letters can be readily and conveniently mounted in place and removed whenever desired so that the sign can be changed as often as necessary. Since the moldings harmonize with the design of the store or building front they in no way detract from the appearance thereof, even though no sign be used. The letters can be spaced any desired distance apart and can be held either away from the face of the building or mounted thereagainst. The supporting moldings herein provided will greatly encourage the use of structural glass facings, especially on rental properties, since the sign can be readily changed, with a change of tenant, without leaving unsightly fastenings or holes visible when the letters are to be changed. While it is desirable to use two supporting moldings for carrying the sign letters, it may be permissible in some cases to employ but a single molding, especially where relatively small letters are used.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as the preferred embodiment of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

1'. claim:

1. In apparatus for mounting sign letters and the like upon the exterior of a building structure having a supporting back wall and facing panels secured thereto in a plurality of rows, a horizontal supporting molding secured to said back wall and projecting forwardly between adjacent rows of facing panels, said molding being provided with a guide channel, attaching means carried by the sign letters and slidably received within said channel, and means for securing said attaching means within the said channel.

2. In apparatus for mounting sign letters and the like upon the exterior of a building structure having a supporting back wall and facing panels secured thereto in a plurality of rows, a pair of vertically spaced, longitudinally extending supporting moldings secured to said back wall and projecting forwardly between adjacent rows of facing panels, said supporting molding being provided with guide channels facing one another, attaching means carried by the sign letters and having portions slidably received within said channels, and means for securing said attaching means within the said channels.

3. In apparatus for mounting sign letters and the like upon the exterior of a building structure having a supporting back wall and facing panels secured thereto in a plurality of rows, a horizontal supporting molding secured to said back wall and projecting forwardly between adjacent rows of facing panels, means for securing the sign letters to said molding, and a bead formed on the said molding overlying and engaging the marginal portions of the outer faces of said panels.

l. In apparatus for mounting sign letters and the like upon the exterior of a building structure having a supporting back wall and facing panels secured thereto in a plurality of rows, a horizontal supporting molding secured to said back wall and projecting forwardly between adjacent rows of facing panels, said molding being provided with a guide channel, attaching means carried by the sign letters and slidably received within said channel, means for securing said attaching means within the said channel, and oppositely projecting beads formed on the said molding overlying and engaging the marginal portions of the outer faces of said panels.

5. In apparatus for mounting sign letters and the like upon the exterior of a building structure having a supporting back wall and facing panels secured thereto in a plurality of rows, a horizontal supporting molding secured to said back wall and projecting forwardly between adjacent rows of facing panels, said molding having a guide channel therein, a sign letter, an attaching bracket carried by said letter including an arm fixed thereto and a block carried at the outer end of said arm adapted to be slidably received within said channel, and a set screw passing through said block and engaging one wall of the said channel for securing the letter in place.

6. In apparatus for mounting sign letters and the like upon the exterior of a building structure having a supporting back wall and facing panels secured thereto in a plurality of rows, a pair of vertically spaced, longitudinally extending supporting moldings secured to said back wall and projecting forwardly between adjacent rows of facing panels, said moldings having guide channels therein facing one another, a sign letter, a pair of attaching brackets carried by said letter including arms fixed thereto and blocks carried at the outer ends of said arms adapted to be slidably received within said channels, and set screws passing through said blocks and engaging the walls of the said channels for securing the letter in place.

JOHN D. I-IINR. 

